Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comKalabhairav Jayanti
Kalabhairav Jayanti is observed on Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami, the day on which Lord Shiva appeared in his fierce form as Kalabhairav, who is regarded as the guardian (Kotwal) of the city of Kashi.
This is called Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami in North India and Kartik Krishna Ashtami in South India, a difference of Purnimanta versus Amanta calendar naming, with the actual date remaining the same. It is also called 'Bhairav Ashtami' or 'Kaal Bhairav Ashtami'. Check a local panchang for the exact date.
Significance of Kalabhairav Jayanti
According to legend, a dispute over supremacy once arose between Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, during which Brahma's fifth head spoke insulting and false words about Shiva. Enraged by this, Lord Shiva manifested his fierce form, Kalabhairav, who instantly severed that fifth head of Brahma with the tip of his nail.
Since Lord Brahma is himself regarded as a form of the Brahman, this act brought upon Kalabhairav the sin of Brahmahatya (the killing of a Brahmin), and the severed head (kapal) became stuck to his hand. To be freed of this sin, Kalabhairav wandered the entire earth as a mendicant, seeking alms.
Kalabhairav eventually reached the city of Kashi, where this sin was destroyed and the skull fell from his hand. In remembrance of this event, Kashi is also called the Kapal-Mochan Tirth, and Lord Kalabhairav was appointed by Lord Vishwanath himself as the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi, it is believed that no one may enter or leave Kashi without his permission.
How Kalabhairav Jayanti Is Celebrated
Devotees observe a fast from the morning, and perform special worship of Lord Kalabhairav at night, since he is regarded as the deity of the night and of tantric practice. The Kalabhairav Temple in Kashi holds special adornment and aarti on this day.
The black dog is regarded as Lord Kalabhairav's vehicle and messenger, so feeding black dogs on this day is considered especially meritorious. Devotees also recite the Bhairav Chalisa and Bhairav Ashtak.
Kalabhairav is regarded as the deity who protects against fear, adversaries, and negative forces, so his worship on this day is performed especially to seek freedom from hardship and to invoke protection.
Kalabhairav Jayanti Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning and observe a fast through the day. At night, worship Lord Kalabhairav, and recite the Bhairav Chalisa and Bhairav Ashtak. If possible, feed a black dog. After the puja, break the fast with the prasad.
About Kalabhairav Jayanti
Kalabhairav Jayanti is observed on Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami as the appearance day of Lord Shiva's fierce form, Kalabhairav. This page covers this day's significance, the legend of the Brahmahatya sin and its release at Kapal-Mochan, and Kalabhairav's connection to Kashi.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kalabhairav Jayanti observed?
Kalabhairav Jayanti is observed every year on Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami, also called Bhairav Ashtami.
How did Kalabhairav come into being?
When Brahma's fifth head insulted Lord Shiva, an enraged Shiva manifested his fierce form, Kalabhairav, who severed that head.
Why is Kalabhairav called the Kotwal of Kashi?
After being freed of the Brahmahatya sin when the skull fell in Kashi, Lord Vishwanath appointed Kalabhairav as the guardian (Kotwal) of the city, and it is believed no one may enter or leave Kashi without his sanction.
Why are black dogs fed on Kalabhairav Jayanti?
The black dog is regarded as Lord Kalabhairav's vehicle and messenger, so feeding them on this day is considered a special way to seek his grace.